Vermont just banned food waste in trash

Starting July 1st, the state of Vermont banned food scraps from the trash. The new state law says food scraps are items typically discarded like peels, rinds, eggshells, coffee grounds, paper tea bags and more. According to Vermont, food scraps and yard debris make up close to 1/4 of a typical Vermont family’s waste. 

Vermont has put this new state law into place for a few reasons. It reduces greenhouse gases, supports green jobs, restores soil and reduces the need for landfills. Food scraps contain valuable nutrients that are good for the soil. Those food scraps can be put in a compost which can be used in farms, gardens and landscaping. Composting also supports local farmers and food scrap haulers. When food scraps get trapped in a landfill, the food waste decomposes slowly, producing the greenhouse gas methane. 

Families can create their own compost bin or buy a container. The food scraps can also be used to feed animals or dropped off at a local compost facility. The state is looking to eliminate waste to combat climate change It’s important to keep food scraps out of landfills because its better for the environment. This new law makes Vermont the first state to implement a statewide ban. According to research by the University of Vermont, 73% of people in Vermont were already composting prior to the new law being put in place.